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MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Every chance I get to drive the Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter V8, I smile because I know exactly what I'm in for--a great engine, great sounds, fun on-throttle handling and just an all-around throwback experience.

From the body style to the well-thought-out yet simple interior, the Mustang GT in many ways is a car from another era, outfitted with a modern engine, sound-isolation and tire and brake technology to deliver a pure driving experience without the vices of true, old muscle cars. It's by far my first choice in the modern muscle-car class.

I would be happier in the coupe, but the removal of a fixed roof does little to dampen the driving fun. And while the chassis shakes and oscillates a bit at times over bumps, I've experienced worse in modern cars costing more money and carrying more well-heeled nameplates.

The Mustang remains a winner, pure and simple. Come to think of it, those last two words describe it perfectly as well.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: Dashing into work early one Monday morning with the top down and the engine roaring, I came to the conclusion that the 2012 Ford Mustang GT convertible is about as fun an experience a driver can hope to have in a nonsupercar.

The 5.0-liter V8 has truly given the 'Stang a foundation that puts this car at or near the top of the segment. I would argue it's slightly ahead of the Chevrolet Camaro, since the Chevy feels bulkier and more cumbersome to handle. But they're both very good.

The sounds this powerplant makes are exhilarating, raspy and growling, but never dull. It's at its best when the driver really steps into the throttle and lets the revs build. Theoretically, that's how muscle cars should be--but the Mustang GT responds with eagerness.

I like the taut nature of the body and the chassis, which produce less lean than the Challenger and the Camaro during turns and aggressive maneuvers. I did detect a bit of squirreliness from the rear suspension at times, perhaps accentuated by the strong torrent of power being sent to the rear wheels. The convertible element might contribute to that, but otherwise didn't detract from the drive character.

Despite its sporty character, the GT is fine for around-town driving, too. I spent a Saturday rolling around the suburbs, hitting a few stores, and was quite comfortable. The heat this weekend was oppressive, but for the most part, I didn't mind cracking the top. Really, that's the best way to experience this car.

The interior is well executed, with mostly pleasing materials, sharp gauges and easy-to-use controls. No confusing MyFord Touch here. The driver looks at 1960s-styled dials and actually gets to turns knobs to operate the radio. This is a car for people who want to drive and not mess around with colors and connectivity. The Mustang GT, with or without the convertible option, is a winner in my book.

INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATE EDITOR DAVID ARNOUTS: The more time I spend in this car, the more I realize why I have a soft spot for muscle cars. The latest incarnation of the famed Mustang, with the "resurrected" 5.0-liter V8, is a great reminder that certain American cars can evolve over time but remain true to their roots.

Greg said it best about the interior--its style harks back to the 1960s. The traditional manual operations and modern technology are a combination that proves to be a winner in the Mustang GT.

The six-speed manual aluminum shifter with laser-engraved gear patterns is a nice touch and matches the rest of the interior nicely. The seats were comfortable for the most part; I blame myself for never really taking the extra few minutes to get a great fit. I was too excited to get the pedal down and the road rolling underneath me.

The mirrors were an interesting first for me. Integrated into the side mirrors were blind-spot-reduction mirrors; think bubble mirrors on semitrucks. I didn't really care for the addition. While functional, the aesthetic wasn't my taste.

Once rolling, though, the 412-hp, 5.0-liter V8 was an ear-to-ear-grin-inducing machine. While the exhaust was a touch quiet, it is still one great-sounding domestic engine. And if the sound wasn't enough, the lateral velocity was a close second.

The car is quick and would make a great sports car to drive around town or drive across the country.

As for the drive, the clutch and pedal feel, with the close ratio shifts, are superior to the long-throw experience of the Chevrolet Camaro.

The suspension is matched well, giving the Mustang GT a nimble feel without the overly harsh feeling of many rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Expect to feel bumps--this isn't a luxury sedan, but you shouldn't lose your fillings on a standard street.

Overall, I was pleased with the Mustang GT. It is a well-balanced sports car that is fun, enjoyable and for the money, provides plenty of value, just like the original muscle cars. But in this decade, we don't have the side effect of smelling like gasoline and vinyl after a going for a drive.

I could do without the convertible option as I prefer a coupe with a bit more sport-oriented performance. That doesn't take away from the fact that driving with the top down was enjoyable.

Since I enjoyed this "plain-Jane" Mustang GT so much, I can only say one thing: Bring on the Boss 302!

ART DIRECTOR TARA KLEIN: After one night in this 2012 Ford Mustang GT convertible, I come away impressed, enthused and wanting more time behind the wheel.

I am a huge fan of the current body style that tastefully merges the 1960s lines with a more modernized approach. The front fascia and overall silhouette produce a menacing image, one that is instantly recognized on the road. Unfortunately, the gray clouds proved to be too threatening for me to put the top down.

This Mustang felt incredibly solid, well-grounded and controlled. I never once felt uncomfortable, whether driving down the expressway or through a rural downtown area. The growl of the V8 provided an awesome soundtrack during my drive, and the substantial amount of power was impressive.

I agree with others here that the Mustang's simplified interior has a nice throwback vibe, making the car a consistent package. While a lot of hard plastics were used, it was well composed and comfortable, and the aluminum shifter really popped in the otherwise dark cabin. The large gauges backlit in blue at night also made a loud statement that meshed with the intensity of the Mustang overall.

While I only had this bad boy for one night, I'm sure I won't be forgetting my time with it anytime soon.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I'll never turn down the chance to drive a 5.0-liter Ford Mustang GT, coupe or convertible. They're just terrific hot rods whether or not one takes price into account.

The car has a fantastic engine with good power, one that makes all the right hot-rod sounds. When I was a kid, the Hemi Cuda was the bogey, with its 425 hp--and this car is dang close to that. The exterior looks good, the interior is simply laid out and the materials are a bit better than decent--Chevrolet should look at this interior when doing the next Camaro, especially in terms of materials. Driving the car over the potholes is impressive in terms of body/chassis stiffness. Having the top down is a joy.

Mac Morrison
- Mac Morrison is Autoweek’s senior editor for Motorsports covering racing at all levels, from club events to NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA and Formula One. He also contributes to Autoweek’s coverage and testing of new cars and the automotive industry. Follow him on Twitter @Mac_Morrison.
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